The Gutter: Where Life Is Meant to Be Lived

Honestly, this is the best book I have ever read. It really makes sense and everyone needs to read it!

When I first read this book, I felt as if a weight had been lifter off of my shoulders. The fear of not having taken enough Evangelism courses at church or memorizing enough scripture in order for me to have an impact faded immediately. Get up and get out there and visit the Gutter!

I don't consider serving the homeless or going into places where people don't know Christ as the gutter, BUT I do love the heart and passion and authenticity of both this author and the book. We are called to live outside the church pew. We do find real relationships and real outreach when we hang with people who are perhaps asking tough questions about faith and life in general. There were times as I read this book that I paused, wanting to make sure that those who have diverse ministries in the body of Christ aren't discounted because they aren't in the "gutter", but I also underlined and highlighted passages that were right on target. As an author, speaker, and minister to teens and families, but mostly as a fellow believer, I applaud the courage it took to write this book. It's a great resource and one that every believer and every leader in the body of Christ should read.

Craig Gross powerfully answers this question in this new book. We must meet others in the "gutter" to truly love and serve them. Jesus went into the gutters of this world to find people in need - sinners, prostitutes, lepers, and tax collectors, to name a few. Craig argues we should do the same. Where is the gutter? Any place in this world where darkness reigns. Meet people in their world and show them Christ's love, mercy and forgiveness. Craig shows us how to be a light in the dark places of this world. Meet people where they are broken and hurt, serve them and bring them out of the gutter. Love your neighbor. Get in the gutter!!

If this book doesn't inspire you to reach our world with love, then perhaps you should read it again! I knew I was born to serve others and spread the word of love from our Lord, but after reading this book I realize I haven't even gotten close to the gutter. Thanks for inspiring me to stretch and reach and yes, get in the gutter; I don't just want to go to the gutter, I want to wallow in it! Great job on a book much needed in the Christian society we live in and have become complacent in. Hope to see many of you in the gutter with me!!!!!